Gwinnett from Sun Up to Sun Down

It’s one of the largest counties in the state, so you can bet there are a million ways to spend a day in Gwinnett. Here’s how I enjoyed what each city has to offer from sun up to sun down.

~1~

Breakfast and Coffee!Parkside Bakery & Cafe Grayson

Early morning coffee and pastry at Parkside Bakery and Café in Grayson. I recommend an orange cranberry muffin with a white mocha latte. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with a chocolate croissant. You’ll be forever grateful for that little heavenly suggestion.

~2~

Fishin’ in the DarkTwin Bridges Lake Dacula

Grab a fishing pole and bask in the rising sun sparkling on the water. Dacula’s best kept secret is Twin Bridges Lake. The feeling of finally reeling in that 10lb cat fish never disappoints.

~3~

Dog Days of Summer!Chattapoochee Dog Park Duluth

I had to include my furry friend in my day of fun. At Duluth’s Chattapoochee Dog Park, she can enjoy fetching her tennis ball, lounging under the trees, playing in the water fountain and acquainting herself with some new pals with paws.

~4~

Get in ShapeVines Park Loganville

Take a late morning jog while the air is still breezy through scenic Vines Park in Loganville. I have to compensate at least a little for all of today’s decadent dining.

~5~

ReenergizeJuices Wild Sugar Hill

Sip on a post-workout Pink Horizon smoothie at Juices Wild in Sugar Hill. It’s a fresh blend of strawberries, bananas and vanilla almond milk. Ask for a Vitamineral Greens “booster” in case you haven’t been eating your veggies lately.

~6~

Chill out in a Cool TheaterMovie Tavern Suwanee

Catch a matinee at the Movie Tavern in Horizon Village, Suwanee. I love seeing new movies on the big screen, and what better way to do it than in a theater with cushy leather seats and a fully-loaded bar and kitchen?

~7~

Gourmet LunchRico’s World Kitchen Buford

Chow down on a Chicken Club for lunch at Rico’s World Kitchen in downtown Buford. Dip it in the Mojo Dripping Sauce, pair it with hashbrown casserole, and you’ve got yourself a masterpiece.

~8~

Shopping SpreeShoppes at Webb Gin Snellville

Time for some retail therapy at the Shoppes at Webb Gin in Snellville. Some of my favorite stores are American Threads and Dress Up, and of course, I can’t forget a pair of fabulous shoes from DSW.

~9~

Purchase Some Fresh Produce Farmer’s Market Braselton

Stroll through the farmer’s market in downtown Braselton. The Barefoot Contessa is my more refined culinary inspiration, so like her, I try to cook with fresh ingredients as much as possible. That’s why I take advantage of these local farmer’s markets while they last!

~10~

Delicious DinnerLocal Republic Lawrenceville

Dive into a mouth-watering, hand-crafted burger at Lawrenceville’s famous gastropub – Local Republic. And don’t forget to throw in the bacon mac n’ cheese as a side dish.

~11~

Treat YourselfGiGi’s Cupcakes Norcross

Delight in a tasty dessert from GiGi’s Cupcakes in Nocross. After all of this running around, I totally deserve it. Midnight magic is one of their best sellers, and once you try it, you’ll know why. It’s chocolate mixed with chocolate topped with more chocolate…I’m salivating just thinking about it.

~12~

End the Day with a BangLasershow Spectacular Stone Mountain

Pull up a blanket and wind down with the sun at Stone Mountain’s Lasershow Spectacular – an Atlanta tradition and the perfect way to end a day exploring Gwinnett.